Carlsbad - the best known Czech spa
The best known and the largest spa in the Czech republic dates back to around 1350. The Roman Emperor and Czech King Charles IV raised its status to a town in 1370. The end of the 19th century defined the architecture of Carlsbad. Thje city's best-known sights are the Church of St. Andrew, the orthodox Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, the Municipal Theatre, the Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda) and the Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene. Carlsbad is surrounded by romantic hilly countryside – the foothills of Krušné hory.
Treatment
The fame of Karlovy Vary has spread into the whole world thanks to its mineral springs. There are 12 healing springs in the spa. Their basic compositions are similar but they differ in temperature and the amount of carbon dioxide, and that is why their effects are different as well. The colder springs usually have a slightly purgative effect, while the warmer ones make the production of bile and stomach juices slower. The strongest is the Vřídlo spring, rising from the depth of 2,000-3,000 metres. The temperature reaches 73° C. The temperature of the other springs is around 40° C. The springs cure mainly metabolic disorders; they are also used for inhalations and baths.
Notable places
The tradition of Czech spas is an inseparable part of the European cultural heritage. Due to the high quality of their curative resources, they have won fame and recognition in Europe and found their place in the history of medicine and balneology. However, Czech spas do not only mean health cures, but also recreation, rest, and a refuge from everyday stress. All of this is combined with a pleasant environment, rich cultural life, sports and entertainment. In addition, you can combine your stay with a trip to any of the romantic chateau parks, medieval castles, churches or monasteries in the surroundings.
Active Relaxation in Carlsbad
The oldest 18-hole golf course in the country, golf hall with golf simulator, tennis courts, outdoor and roofed swimming pools, billiard, horse-riding, shooting-range, skateboard, karate, squash, sightseeing flights over the city. The golf course is located about 5 km away from the downtown in a very hilly countryside. Difficult terrain challenges players technical and physical dispositions. The golf course belongs to the oldest and most beautiful golf localities in the Czech Republic. The holes are surrounded by greenwoods and offer intimate playing enviroment. There are regular competitions taking place here such as the Czech Tour, Citroen Cup, Eurotel Bohemia Tour, Mercedes Cup and number of other attractive tournaments.
Leisure in Carlsbad
International Film Festival (since 1946), Mozart a Karlovy Vary – the music festival, Tourfilm – the international festival of films about tourism, Dvořákův Karlovarský podzim, International Jazz Festival, Singers´ Competition of Antonín Dvořák Museum, Town Theatre, cinemas, galleries, dancing cafes, discotheques.
VIP-visitors, Dates, History
The foundation and development of Carlsbad has always been inseparably connected with the soothing curative effect of its warm mineral springs. They marked the history, architecture, economy and the whole spirit of the city. The springs have fascinated people and have stimulated them since the oldest times. A story of the fantasy world is the popular story according to which Carlsbad springs were discovered by Charles IV, the Czech king and Roman Emperor, at a deer hunting in the middle of the 14th century. The foundation of the spa city at the confluence of the Ohře and Teplá Rivers in the reign of Charles IV is sure not to be such an accidental and romantic act as said in the old story, but almost a regular development result for a long-known place with a curative tradition.
